The Bhoja family traces its roots to one MoosaDewalwala who had a son named RahmatullahDewalwala. It was Rahmatullah's
son, GhaniBhoja, born
circa 1795 who gave his name to the Bhoja clan and
ever since his descendants have been known as the Bhoja's.
GhaniBhoja had a son named
Ismail Bhoja who was born circa 1820. Ismail had two
sons named Jamal, born circa 1849, and Sulaiman born
circa 1851. Jamal had four children, viz, Osman, Karim, Abdullah & Mohammed
while Sulaiman had four children, viz;
Salay Mohammed, Latif,
Dada, & Somar.

8Haji Yusuf Bhoja,
b:1919 in Kutiyana, educated at the famous Alighar University in India and later went on to establish
a textile business in Karachi in collaboration with his brothers. It was,
however, not long before he closed down the business and settle in Sri Lanka in
the mid 1950's. In 1957, he started his own business, Abdul Sattar
Haji Yusuf & Company, a textile firm originally based in Maliban Street, Pettah, which was
later shifted to Bankshall Street and again to Prince
Street also in The Pettah. In 1965, he embarked on
another textile trading venture, Bhoja Stores. This time in collaboration with his three sons. Initially
based on Bankshall Street the business later shifted
to Keyzer Street in the Pettah
where it presently stands. Haji Yusuf's sons have now taken over the business
from their father with the Bhoja Stores coming under
the control of Abdul Rahim and Abdul Sattar Haji
Yusuf & Company coming under Abdul Sattar who
also runs Hajras, a shop specializing in artificial
flowers located in Prince Street, Pettah.

9Abdul Rahim Bhoja,
started the business of Bhoja Stores

9AbdulSattarBhoja, started the business of Abdul Sattar Haji Yusuf & Company and also Hajras on Prince Street, Pettah

10MohammedIqbalBhoja, livewire of the Memon
Association for over two decades. Served as Gen Secy
of the Association under President Ismail Hingora,
President Haji Mohammed Dhedhi, and President Haji
Abdul Hafiz Bhuri, before being elected as Vice
President for four years from 1997-2000, and serving under the then President
of the Association, Haji HussainBhaila.

9YaseenMoosaBhoja, b:1946, Lawyer
specializing in Commercial Law in Colombo and also the first lawyer among the Memon Community in Sri Lanka, having become a Proctor and
Notary Public in 1973. Also served as JPUM for the District
of Colombo as well as the Special Quazi for the Memon Community in the early 1980's. Appointed
Member of the Board of Quazi's, the appellate body of
Quazi's in Sri Lanka, in 1990 and served in it for
over ten years. Served as a member of the Waqf
Tribunal around the same time.Chairman of the Bhoja Foundation, the first Memon
Government Approved Public Charity founded by his fathewr,
Moosa Haji Omar.President
of the Haji Omar Foundation for Peace, Education and Research which he founded
in 2000. + Ruby SulaimanSomar in Colombo and settled in SL

10FarnazYaseenBhoja, Arabic Calligraphy
Artist

8Haji Abdul KarimBhoja, b:1926, first arrived in Ceylon in 1934 as a
young lad of 8. Settled down and worked for his fathers
textile business in Keyzer Street, Pettah, called "H A K & Company". Set up another
business, along with his father and brothers, in 1946 in Main Street Pettah under the name of Haji Omar & Company Limited,
claimed to be the first Memon Limited Liability
Company in the island. The Company closed down in 1956. Purchased
Ceylon Textiles Limited on Second Cross Street, Pettah,
in the same year. The new company specialized in Silks, Sari's and Choli's and was reputed for Chiffone
printed Georgettes, Nylon Taffeta, and white and colored Poplins. They were
also stockists of Bismarck and Joker banians. The Company survived successfully until 1983 when
the Black July riots of that year, primarily directed against the Tamil
Community, spread to the Pettah. A fire started by an
unruly mob engulfed both Tamil and Muslim shops along the street and with it
went Ceylon textiles in flames. Haji Karim also owned
a rubber plantation known as Hatbawe Rubber Company
in Rambukkana in the Kegalle
District wich was taken over by the State in 1974
under the Land Reforms Commission. He was one of the few Memons
of that time who opted for citizenship of the country under the Ceylon
Citizenship Act when he applied and eventually was granted citizenship in 1949
at a time when very few Memons were willing to become
citizens of a country they still regard as a home away from home. He also
involved himself in a variety of social activities and was appointed a Justice
of the Peace by Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike in 1959, thus becoming the
first Memon JP of the Island. Was also appointed the
first Quazi from the Memon
Community in 1960 and served as the President of the Memon
Association of Ceylon from 1960-62. + Mariam, daughter of Mohammed Chana

9DrSaleemKarimBhoja,
MBBS Hon University of Colombo 1971. FRCS in 1978 Edinburgh,
UK. Resident House Officer in Paediatriuc
Medicine and Gyn & Obs
at the Castle Street Hospital for Women in Rajagiriya
and Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Borella.
Gen Surgeon and Family Practitioner in Melville Hospital Canada in the mid
1980's and is presently a family practitioner in NY City USA.

10NiharaKarimBhoja, chose Law for a
career. Educated at the Columbia University School of Law and
presently (2006) practices law in the USA. A Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar,
she has authored three books, including "What to do before I do",
"The Modern Couples guide to Marriage" and "Pre Nups" in 2004, "The complete guide to divorce
law" 2004, and "Parent Savvy straight answers to your families financial, legal, and practical questions",
2005.

9HameedKarimBhoja, born in Karachi
chose to make Sri Lanka his home and took to the rather unconventional business
of running a bookshop "Bibliomania" on Hospital Street in the heart
of Colombo Fort. It is supposed to be the nations
largest second hand bookshop and continues to be a favorite haunt for
Bibliophiles of all ages and from all walks of life. The books sold here
covered almost every subject from aeronautics to zoology. Also involved himself
in considerable social welfare work and is the local coordinator of the "Gift
of the GIvers Foundation", a South African
Relief Organization, whose founder DrImthiazSoliman, is a Memon from South Africa. This organization initiated its
activity in Sri Lanka immediately after the devastation caused by the 2004
December Tsunami. They have initiated a housing project for the victims of this
disaster in Sarvodayapuram in Pottuvil
near Arugam Bay in the Amparai
District of the Eastern Province.

10Sa'adiya,
qualified AMI Montessori Teacher, completed her Diploma at the Good Shepherd
Convent Maria Montessori Training Center. Joined Joyce Gunasekera Montessori House of Children as a teacher.
Versatile creative writer having composed a number of short stories such as
"Biter Sweet", "Dark Silence" and
"A Fervent Plea" which were published in the Daily News, a leading
local daily newspaper belonging to the Lake House Group of publishers.

9Dr Amin H Karim, MD, chose medicine as his career and graduated
from Dow Medical College in Karachi in 1977 with Honors in five medicqal fields and was awarded six Gold medals upon
Graduation, at that time a record in Pakistan. Member of the Royal College of
Surgeons of England and has served in several hospitals including the Jinnah
Post Graduate Medical Center, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, and the Vellore
College of Medicine in Huston, Texas, where he holds a Fellowship in
Cardiology. Involved in the extensive research in the field
of Cardiology having delivered lectures before distinguished medical men and
presented papers to learned medical journals.Involved
in many charitable projects such as the Safe Motherhood Project of the Civil
Hospital of Karachi. = DrShahnaz A Karim, graduated
from Sind Medical College Karachi in in 1983 is also actively involved for the
provision of healthcare for the people of Karachi having established the ZainabSulaiman Clinic which she
personally supervises.

8Mohammed Haji Omar, established Feroze Limited, a textile trading house in Pettah in 1969 which over the years grew from strength to
strength finally evolving into Phoenix Venture Limited, one of the countries largest industrial and trading conglomerates
which owns Phoenix Industries, a pioneer in qality
and plastic products and Brandix, the country's
single largest exporter producing high quality garments for the export market.
+ ZaharaMoosa,
m:1953, took the business empire founded by her
husband to greater heights.

9Aslam Haji
Omar, joined Firoze Limited as Managing Executive
in 1984. Took over the supervision and management of the
emerging group a year later. In 1986 he took on the role of MD of Kurivita Textile Mills and spearheaded three key joint
ventures to strengthen the backward integration of the apparel business, viz; American & Efird, a
sewing thread manufacturer, T & S Buttons, a polyester button manufacturer,
and A & E Brandix Hangers, a plastic garment
hanger manufacturer. MD of Phoenix Ventures in April 2004. Was
responsible in forming alliances with Tyco A&E (USA), America & Efird (USA), and T&S Buttons (HongKong),
leading up to successful joint ventures. He holds the position of CEO of
Phoenix Ventures Ltd, the holding company ofBrandix Group, and also thge
MD of Phoenix Industries Ltd., the largest plastic manufacturer in Sri Lanka. A Fellow Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Chartered Accountants
and a Member of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Australia.

9Ashroff
Haji Omar, began his career as the Managing Executive of Lux Shirts a family
owned garment manufacturing concern that focussed on
woven tops. Spearheaded several acquisitions including GIL Garments and Phoenix
Fashions, and, in 1993, established MAS Lanka, the Groups Garment Trading HOuse now known as Brandix
Apparel, the single largest exporter of garments n Sri Lanka with a turnover
exceeding US $200 Million. Took the Group Overseas in 1996,
establishing its first garment manufacturing facility in the Maldive Islands.Formed the Brandix College of Clothing Technology and Finitex Textile Finishing in 1996.Appointed CEO of Brandix Lanka in April
2004.

He
spearheaded the Groups first joint venture with Mast Industries, the first of
sixteen such operations that followed and several other strategic acquisitions
within the apparel industry. His entrepreneurial spirit and strategy of
vertical inregtarion has resulted in the success of Brandix. A frequent spokesman for the apparel industry, he
is also the former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters’ Association and
the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) – the apex body of the apparel
industry, primary;ly involved in driving strategy for
the industry and lobbying on its behalf. He is also a Steering Committee Member
of the European Commission – Sri Lanka Joint Study, and is also responsible for
negotiating with the European Union for added benefits for the apparel industry
in Sri Lanka. He serves as a Non-Executive Member of the Board of John Keells Hotels Limited and the Colombo Stock Exchange.

9Firoze
Haji Omar, began his career as Managing Executive of MKC Industries, the
Groups first foray into the manufacture of knitted undergarments. Responsible
for converting a greenfield site into Kurivita Manchester Textile MIlls,
which is today one of the leaders in fabric manufacture with a customer
base that spans the region. Spearheaded several other group
ventures, including the formation of Ocean Lanka in 1996 and Quenby Lanka Prints in 2000. Recently entrusted the
responsibility of managing the operations of Columbia Clothing, which is one of
the Groups Joint Ventures in Madagascar.

8Hadiya Omar Bhoja, born n Damascus,
Syria. Contested Negombo electorate
elections in 1967 becoming the first Memon woman to
enter into politics. She lost and migrated to the USA in the mid 1970's
along with her husband. + Abdul GhaffarSattarDhedim:1959 (273)

8Zahara
Omar Bhoja, started Pop Chicks in the 1960's
producing top of the line children's and women's garments which at one point
were being sold by Harrods of London. Heads Tallman Tours, well
known local Travel Agency she set up in 1976. Started
recruitment agency under the name of ZA Cader &
Company in 1978.Embarked on the garment trade in
1986, selling stock lots under Pop Chicks Ltd. and Cada
Collection.President of SKAL Club of Colombo in 1991
as well as President of PATA Sri Lanka Chapter.Involved
in considerable social service having involved herself in the Muslim Women's
Social League.

8Bilkis
Omar Bhoja, started Pop Chicks with her sister in
the 1960's.

8Nizar Haji
Omar, achieved distinction in sports since his school days at St Peters'
College and later went on to Captain Sri Lanka against Bosuns,
a visiting Rugby Team from the UK in 1969. First Memon to head a National Team. Captained Sri Lanka
in the All-India Tournament in the same year where Sri Lanka won as well.
Captained SL in the Asian Rugby Tournament held in Bangkok in 1970. Played in
the next two Asian Rugby Tournaments in 1972 (HK) and 1974 (Colombo). Represented SL in almost every match of that time playing against
ball visiting teams that toured the country.Elected
President of CR & FC in 1981 and President of the SLRFU for 1983-84.
Presently (2006) serves as a Managing Partner of STR Salay
Mohammed & Company, a long standing textile firm on Main Street, of which
he is a co partner with his sister Hadiya and her husband GhaffarSattar.

9Ayesha Haji Omar, degree in
International Business & Marketing from the Albright College in
Pennsylvania in 2000

9 Nadia Haji Omar, gained admission to Bard College in NY State
(2006) where she is currently studying for a degree in Art.

8Haroon
Abdul SattarBhoja,
reached the pinnacles of the religious establishment in Sri Lanka. Involved in
Islamic work he passed away early at the young age of 38 years. Great Islamic
Scholar, graduated from the Bin NooriMadarasa in Karachi. Well recognized Theologian in the
island. Fondly known as MoulanaHaroon.Served Islam for 12 years.
Delivered Friday Sermons and urged his fellow Muslims to live a life dedicating
themselves to God in the Holy Month of Ramadan. His
discourses also dealt with the need of the Muslims to conduct their business
dealings in conformity to the Shariah and to refrain
from un-Islamic business practices. His last sermon was delivered at his
favorite Mosque on Abdul Hameed Street, the MuhiyadeenJumma Mosque. In it,
which took place on 20 Sep 2002 only a day before his sad demise, he stressed
on the importance of devotion to Allah and cautioned his congregation to spend
more time in the Path of Allah. He also recited the following Quranic Verse before commencing what turned out to be his
final sermon. "Verily, man is in loss, except such as have faith and do
righteous deeds". Summing up his last sermon said that sudden death is one
of the signs of the Last Day, and, it is said by many of the congregation that
they felt and believed that he may have had a premonition of his death. The
following day, MoulanaHaroon,
having offered the Dhur Prayers, sudddenly
fell ill and passed away. Thus passed unto the Mercy of Allah
one of his noblest creations. His sad demise was felt, not only by the Memon Community, but also by the rest of the Muslims in the
country in general, who flocked from all parts of nthe
island to pay their last respects to the man they loved so much.

8 Name Not Known

8 Name Not Known

8 Name Not Known

8 Name Not Known

8 Name Not Known

8 Name Not Known

8 Name Not Known

8 Name Not Known

8 Name Not Known

6LatifBhoja

6DadaBhoja

6SomarBhoja

Compiled by the Webmaster of the Sri Lanka Genealogy Website from
available data in Sri Lankan archives together with data extracted from "Memons of Sri Lanka" - Men Memoirs Milestones, by Asiff Hussein & HameedKarimBhoja, May 2006, iSBN 955-1408-00-4, Published by
The Memon Association of Sri Lanka